Today I’m joined by Grace, who shares her and Robbie’s wedding at Vanderosa Farms in Leigh, a stunning hilltop venue with sweeping ocean views.

We chat about:

💜 Meeting in high school, growing up together and chasing their dreams from Belgium adventures to army life back in NZ.

💜 A surprise proposal on a Canadian boat trip, recorded on a GoPro and made complete with her dream ring.

💜 Choosing Vanderosa online without visiting other venues, and why it was perfect for their weekend-away vibe.

💜 Top priorities: a family-style shared dinner, long tables, and a fun, colourful, relaxed atmosphere.

💜 Finding the perfect mix of dresses for seven bridesmaids.

💜 Why she highly recommends a videographer (and what they did instead of an on-the-day coordinator).

💜 Budget talk - what they thought it would cost vs the reality.

💜 How she kept decision fatigue at bay by avoiding endless vendor-hunting and Pinterest overwhelm.

💜 All the best highlights, lessons, and advice she’d give other couples planning now.

...and so much more!

🎧 Listen in for a down-to-earth wedding story with loads of practical takeaways for couples who want their day to feel fun, personal, and truly theirs.

Below you can find the handles for all G & R’s incredible vendors. Be sure to check out some photos on IG at ⁠⁠⁠⁠@thekiwiweddingpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ + give us a follow. Follow Lydia at ⁠⁠⁠⁠@lydiarachelphoto⁠⁠⁠⁠

Vendors:

Photographer: ⁠@thecedarweddings.co⁠

Flowers: ⁠@foxytwigs⁠ & ⁠@handsinthedirt_⁠

Venue: ⁠@vanderosafarms⁠

DJ & Videographer: ⁠@smgvisual⁠

Catering: ⁠@krave.catering⁠

Drink Service: ⁠@somekindofwonderfulnz⁠

Makeup: ⁠@puremakeupartistnz⁠

Hair: ⁠@minas.hair.studio⁠

Furniture Hire: ⁠@carltonpartyhirenz⁠

Buses: ⁠@ecoach_mahucityexpress⁠

Dress: ⁠@kyhabride⁠

Bridesmaids Dresses: ⁠@caitlincrispbridal⁠ & ⁠@rubytakessnaps⁠

Groom & Groomsmen Suits: ⁠@suitup_nz⁠